US | AR, VR, AI
Willem de Kooning Academie
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Module US | Fashion [R]evolution
The aim of the course is to equip students with skills, knowledge and attitudes to define their (future) position as designer in a changing fashion industry.
The students learn to critically reflect on their profile and position as a designer and articulate the mission and urgency of their project in the context of sustainability. Using virtual prototyping and high-quality renderings, students develop a fashion collection that gives shape to their mission and creative profile as a designer.
In a collective Fashion Showcase, students learn how to present and communicate their work and mission to (future) clients, collaborators or audiences, finding immersive and XR presentation forms for their (virtual) storytelling.
See full course description here
STRUCTURE OF THE COURSE MODULE
Length: 15 week course
Students: 3rd year Fashion Design
The course is structured in three phases: Concept Phase, Execution phase, Presentation phase.
In the first (Concept) phase of the project, students explore a contradiction connected to an urgent societal, environmental, or cultural issue. Captured in just two words, this contradiction fuels the student's visual research process.
During the design classes, students investigate their chosen theme by collecting visual references, colors, and materials, which they then translate into a capsule collection of twelve looks. The design process bridges physical sketching with digital making, as students use CLO3D as a digital fashion design tool to bring their ideas to life.
Simultaneously, students are nudged to become more acquainted with innovative sustainable practices via a podcast series based on the Four Pillars of Sustainability. Each episode introduces them to an inspiring sustainable fashion practice. The concept phase is concluded with a visual presentation in which students pitch their capsule collection and reflect on their agency in relation to sustainability pillars (in relation to their project). To do this they learn how to make high quality renderings in CLO3D to present their proof of concept.
In the second phase (Execution) of the project, students develop the content of their envisioned concept. Guided by their mission and values, they choose a suitable format for their work—ranging from fashion performances and VR experiences to fashion animations.
During this phase, students have the opportunity to deepen their skills in advanced animation techniques using 3D software (Blender), as well as explore Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), which they can integrate into their final projects.
In the third and final phase (Presentation), students work together to organize a collective fashion showcase. In four project groups – communications, logistics, finance and curation – they learn how to produce a fully self-organized and self-funded event. Additionally, students learn how to articulate their mission and creative approach during writing workshop in the form of a press-release. The project is concluded with a public event in which students explore new immersive forms of presentation, informed by their mission and profile as designer.
See full lesson plan here
Student projects
Xyantyisairah Burger, Kulturu krosi, 2024, Christianity vs Afro-spirituality
Jessica Laures, Pink Out, 2024, Oppression vs empowerment
Niusha Vahedi and Allan Wederfoort, The Shell Within, 2024, internal vs external self
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Module US - Fashion [R]evolution
WdKA, Professor
“Prototyping this module together with our students has been a very exciting journey. Developing this module, we aim to contribute to a more sustainable, inclusive and diverse fashion education on various levels.”
WdKA, Student